Bus users are being asked to provide their views on a number of bus services we support.
A consultation has been launched looking at 41 of the 154 services that operate across the county.
The services being reviewed operate Essex-wide but are mostly in rural areas. They often operate at less popular times for travel, such as in the evenings or on Sundays.
The consultation will look specifically at options around:
- continuing services as they are now
- redesigning services to better reflect how they are used (for example the days of operation; routes; the number of journeys and / or the timetable)
- returning some services to commercial operation
These 41 services are provided by us where there is no commercial service, but there is considered a need for a service to help residents stay connected. Services run by commercial bus firms are not included in the consultation.
Currently around £11 million of taxpayer money is spent on these services. It's therefore important to keep them under review and ensure they remain a good investment.
Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “Bus services can be a lifeline for so many communities and individuals in Essex. The council’s long-standing support for so many services is testimony to its commitment to making sure communities are well connected and residents can travel around the county.
“We want to ensure the council services are as good quality as they can be and represent a good investment for Essex taxpayers. I would invite as many people as possible, particularly those that use the services currently being reviewed, to share their views with us.
“Together we can shape the future bus service in Essex and ensure it remains a safer, greener and healthier way for everyone to travel.”
Take part in the consultation before 27 October.